-- “What’s an (tries to sound it out) an-tee-grrr?" I look on her math paper, “Oh, you mean integer!”
-- “Mrs. McKanna, may I go out into the hallway?” Thinking he wants to pray before his test or maybe he’s upset about something I ask, “Do you need to talk to me?” With raised eyebrows he confesses, “It will be stinky!" Nevermind.
-- “Your necklace matches your earrings, Mrs. McKanna.” “Yes, I know. I planned it that way.” "Oh, you did?” (Scrunches his nose) “Yes, buddy. Most women do.” Invaluable life lessons learned in Class 4.
-- We’ve been studying Christopher Columbus in history and how he let the love of gold become his god. One insightful little girl (who is drama central) raises her hand and remarks: “If everyone looks in our Bibles next time there’s a really colorful insert (puts her hand over her heart) that will give you the answer to all of your heart’s questions. If you’re feeling greedy or prideful it lists a verse to look up.” Too bad Christopher Columbus didn’t have that really colorful insert.
-- After talking of how Columbus became rich and was made "Admiral of the Ocean Sea" and how he mistreated the natives one little boy said, “I’d rather have my rewards in heaven than on earth because it’s for forever." Another student added, “It reminds me of the story of the rich man and the beggar." Wow. Their parents are doing something right!
-- I had to talk to two boys out in the hall today. One was aggravating the other with his words. The one to whom it happened said, “It doesn’t matter to me, Mrs. McKanna. I’m not hurt. I just told you for the future if it happens to someone else.”
Today was filled with teachable moments. Are these students really just 9 years-old?! They are such little loves, and I can't believe I get to have them in MY class!
